So, do I have an agreement that the company that settled, did so because they saw the hand writing on the wall, chose to avoid being named and sued, offered a deal and it was taken...even after maybe a little negotiating?

If this be the case, I'll say it again, the dominos could fall faster.

Admission of guilt, getting a "plea bargin" saves much time, pain and expense.

If this senario is true, it changes the scope in a big way...IMO and only MO.